Pope Leo warns UN risks becoming a ‘charade’

Pope Leo has warned that the United Nations and other multilateral groups are in crisis, saying in a speech at the Paris headquarters of the UN culture and education body, UNESCO, that international dialogue risked becoming a “charade”.

The first US pope, speaking on a visit to France as a tense UN General Assembly unfolded in New York, also decried world leaders who disrespected the rule of law, without naming individuals.

The UN and other multilateral groups “are experiencing a crisis of effectiveness”, he said. “Dialogue is seen as an obstacle to action rather than a resource for peace, a charade rather than an opportunity to seek the common good together.”

Leo, who became pope in May 2025, drew the ire of US President Donald Trump earlier in the year after criticising the war in Iran.